Mel Collins British saxophonist and flautist, session musician Date of Birth: 05.09.1947 Country: Great Britain

Mel Collins: Biography

Mel Collins (Melvyn Desmond Collins) was born on September 5, 1947, on the Isle of Man, which is under the patronage of Great Britain. His parents were both part of the band 'Isle of Man', and Mel was born during their tour. Shortly after his birth, his parents relocated to Banstead, Surrey, where Collins attended school.

After finishing school, Mel enrolled in university to study photography. However, he knew even then that photography would not bring him happiness or wealth. During his time in college, Collins frequently attended rock concerts, both by well-known bands and newly formed ones. At the same time, Mel started performing with the band 'the Dagoes', playing at night parties or opening concerts for more famous groups.

Over the next few years, Mel became increasingly popular among musicians, leading him to the idea of becoming a session musician. Fortunately, Collins had experience playing the saxophone and perfect pitch, allowing him to pursue this idea. Throughout the following decades, Mel collaborated with various groups and musicians such as Eric Clapton, 'Dire Straits', 'Bad Company', Alexis Korner, and 'Rolling Stones'.

One of his most successful projects was with the band 'King Crimson'. Initially invited to replace one of the group's members, Collins's expertise and playing technique impressed the other members so much that they recorded three albums together – 'In the Wake of Poseidon', 'Lizard', and 'Islands'.

In 1978, Mel played a saxophone solo for the song 'Miss You' by the 'Rolling Stones', which became immensely popular among the group's fans. According to Mel, one of his most interesting bands was 'Kokomo'. He recorded several albums and performed numerous concerts with the musicians of Kokomo.

In the 1990s, Collins moved to Germany, where he worked as a musician on one of the German television shows alongside other session musicians. Reflecting on this experience, he said, "It's great – systematic work with any musician who is announced to participate in the show – and we only have a short period of time to rehearse a couple of the guest's songs and then play them live in the evening."

Today, Mel Collins is over 60 years old, but he continues to play and perform with various groups and musicians, refusing to let age hinder his passion for music.